Jacksonville Jaguars Marqise Lee (11) catches a pass during an NFL organized team activities football practice in Jacksonville, FL, Wednesday, May 28, 2014.

Jaguars rookie receiver Marqise Lee missed his third consecutive practice as he recovers from an ankle injury.

The former Southern California standout was one of seven receivers who missed Thursday's open practice. In addition to Lee, the Jaguars practiced without Cecil Shorts, Ace Sanders, Mike Brown, Allen Robinson, Tandon Doss and Lamaar Thomas.

Lee, selected in the second round with the 39th-overall pick, was unable to practice in any of the three organized team activities the Jaguars conducted this week. He watched Thursday's practice from the sideline with a walking boot on his right leg.

The team returns to the field Monday and holds four OTAs next week, but Lee isn't likely to be back soon."I could be ready to go late next week, but they're trying to sit me down and rest me for the most part," Lee said. "They don't want to rush me back. They're thinking long-term, so they want me to really chill and relax."

Lee still has several weeks before the Jaguars report to training camp on July 24.

"For sure, I'll be ready for training camp," Lee said. "I'll be OK for the first day."

Lee has been able to take part in meetings and is learning from veterans like Cecil Shorts and Mike Brown.

"I'm starting to understand it a little bit better actually," Lee said. "I've gotten a lot of help from Cecil and Mike. What I don't know, they continue to try and test me on it. So, I'm gradually getting it by staying focused in meetings and getting extra time with the coaches to make sure I really get it down."

Lee has missed the last four OTAs in total, because he had to attend a mandatory league rookie event in Los Angeles last weekend.

"It was fun," Lee said. "I didn't really want to go, because I had just gotten used to the Florida time. But, I enjoyed it getting to meet a lot of players."

Marquis Lee is no surprise. He was considered by many quality NFL teams to be a damaged goods player. There was no doubt to any observer that he lacks what it takes in terms of durability to play football.

This draft was a disaster. Caldwell and the Gene Smith scouts left behind to scuttle the ship have no idea how to improve a football team by taking the best player available regardless of position.